Swift Creek Reservoir Dam
Swift Creek Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Chesterfield County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Swift Creek Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Swift Creek Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Chesterfield County Utilities Department (local government). It impounds the Swift Creek.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 1,110 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,660 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 50,590 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 64 square miles.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/01/2021.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Chesterfield |
| River/Stream | Swift Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.41770, -77.64800 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,110 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 50,590 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 50,590 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12,173 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,660 acres |
| Drainage Area | 64 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Chesterfield County Utilities Department |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/01/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA041012 |
| Federal ID | VA041012 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |